Damien Willis
@damienwillis.bsky.social
Founder/Editor of Organ Mountain News. Celebrated Introvert. Award-winning Journalist / Gov't PR Guy / Podcaster. Formerly Las Cruces Sun-News & Hot 103. DM's open.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Las Cruces Public Schools will distribute free holiday meal kits for children on Dec. 17 to help families cover meals during winter break.
LCPS to distribute free holiday meal kits for children Dec. 17
Las Cruces Public Schools will distribute free holiday meal kits for children ages 1–18 on Dec. 17, with traffic closures planned near Tashiro Drive during the evening pickup
www.organmountainnews.com
December 14, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Las Cruces Public Schools will distribute free holiday meal kits for children on Dec. 17 to help families cover meals during winter break.
Reposted by Damien Willis
More than 1,200 students earned degrees during NMSU’s fall 2025 commencement ceremonies today, marking a major milestone for graduates and their families across southern New Mexico.
NMSU awards more than 1,200 degrees at fall 2025 commencement ceremonies
New Mexico State University awards more than 1,200 degrees during two fall 2025 commencement ceremonies at the Pan American Center in Las Cruces.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 14, 2025 at 1:51 AM
More than 1,200 students earned degrees during NMSU’s fall 2025 commencement ceremonies today, marking a major milestone for graduates and their families across southern New Mexico.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Most juvenile cases in New Mexico never reach adult-style court, even after arrest, because the system is built around referrals, screening and discretion before a judge ever rules.
After the arrest: how juvenile cases actually move through New Mexico courts
After a juvenile arrest in New Mexico, a case can take several paths. Here’s what happens next, from detention decisions to court timelines and possible outcomes.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 14, 2025 at 12:12 AM
Most juvenile cases in New Mexico never reach adult-style court, even after arrest, because the system is built around referrals, screening and discretion before a judge ever rules.
Reposted by Damien Willis
What do New Mexico’s medical psilocybin plans actually mean? Officials aim to start the program earlier than expected. Get the details in our explainer.
What to know about New Mexico’s medical psilocybin program
New Mexico is developing a regulated medical psilocybin program for people with certain serious health conditions. Officials say they hope to open treatment sites a year before the legal deadline.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 13, 2025 at 4:57 PM
What do New Mexico’s medical psilocybin plans actually mean? Officials aim to start the program earlier than expected. Get the details in our explainer.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Regular unleaded now averages $2.68 in Las Cruces, falling for the third straight week as fuel costs continue to trend downward locally.
Regular unleaded now averages $2.68 in the city as costs fall for the third straight week
Gas prices in Las Cruces continue to fall, with regular unleaded averaging $2.68 and some stations posting prices as low as $2.23 according to AAA and GasBuddy data.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 13, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Regular unleaded now averages $2.68 in Las Cruces, falling for the third straight week as fuel costs continue to trend downward locally.
Reposted by Damien Willis
SYO, YO and JR are the key labels in New Mexico juvenile cases, and they shape what court a case goes to and what sentencing is possible.
Juvie Law 101: What SYO, YO and JR mean in New Mexico juvenile cases
New Mexico public defenders walked reporters through juvenile court basics, including SYO, YO and JR case types, detention rules, competency issues and why informal handling drives most referrals.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 13, 2025 at 1:02 AM
SYO, YO and JR are the key labels in New Mexico juvenile cases, and they shape what court a case goes to and what sentencing is possible.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Holiday markets, holiday concerts, luminaria walks, outdoor hikes and more are on tap around Las Cruces this weekend.
Things to do in Las Cruces this weekend
Here are things to do in Las Cruces this weekend, including concerts, art exhibits, wellness programs and standout holiday light displays, with dates, times and locations.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 12, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Holiday markets, holiday concerts, luminaria walks, outdoor hikes and more are on tap around Las Cruces this weekend.
Reposted by Damien Willis
A local jazz and blues group is hosting three holiday events in Las Cruces this season, from community concerts to festive performances.
Jazz and blues group lines up three holiday events in Las Cruces
The Mesilla Valley Jazz and Blues Society is hosting three jazz and blues events in Las Cruces this month, including free holiday performances and a community jazz jam.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 12, 2025 at 4:01 PM
A local jazz and blues group is hosting three holiday events in Las Cruces this season, from community concerts to festive performances.
Reposted by Damien Willis
New Mexico will offer up to 3,000 paid internships for high school students next summer to expand access to early work experience in communities statewide.
New Mexico to offer up to 3,000 paid high school internships next summer
New Mexico will offer up to 3,000 paid summer internships for high school students in 2026, expanding a statewide program focused on high-demand career fields.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 12, 2025 at 2:16 PM
New Mexico will offer up to 3,000 paid internships for high school students next summer to expand access to early work experience in communities statewide.
Reposted by Damien Willis
New Mexico plans to begin its medical psilocybin program a year early as regulators move to expand therapeutic access.
New Mexico health officials aim to kick off medical psilocybin program a year early
New Mexico health officials plan to launch the state’s medical psilocybin program a year earlier than expected, moving up access to regulated psychedelic therapy for qualifying patients.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 11, 2025 at 5:36 PM
New Mexico plans to begin its medical psilocybin program a year early as regulators move to expand therapeutic access.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Six teens have now been arrested in the Nov. 22 gun store burglary after Las Cruces police made two additional arrests this week.
Police arrest two more teens in Las Cruces gun store burglary
Las Cruces police have arrested two additional 16-year-olds in connection with the Nov. 22 burglary of a local gun store, bringing the total number of juveniles charged to six.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Six teens have now been arrested in the Nov. 22 gun store burglary after Las Cruces police made two additional arrests this week.
Reposted by Damien Willis
State outdoor grants are helping a Las Cruces domestic violence shelter offer nature-based programs for youth impacted by family violence.
State outdoor grants help Las Cruces domestic violence shelter offer nature-based programs for youth
New Mexico’s Outdoor Equity Fund will open a new grant round in January, with funding that has helped Las Cruces’ La Casa domestic violence shelter provide outdoor programs for children impacted by tr...
www.organmountainnews.com
December 10, 2025 at 6:55 PM
State outdoor grants are helping a Las Cruces domestic violence shelter offer nature-based programs for youth impacted by family violence.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Final design is complete for the long-planned NM-139 Border Highway Connector, a project aimed at easing congestion and improving access near the Santa Teresa port of entry.
Final design completed for long-planned NM 139 border connector
State transportation officials have completed the final design for the NM 139 Border Highway Connector, a planned roadway linking NM 136 and NM 273 to support freight movement and cross-border develop...
www.organmountainnews.com
December 10, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Final design is complete for the long-planned NM-139 Border Highway Connector, a project aimed at easing congestion and improving access near the Santa Teresa port of entry.
Reposted by Damien Willis
New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez warned four telecom companies over alleged failures to curb illegal robocalls as part of a 51-state enforcement effort launched in 2022.
AG Torrez issues warnings to telecom companies over high volumes of illegal robocalls
Attorney General Raúl Torrez and a national task force have warned four telecom companies about high volumes of suspected illegal robocalls routed through their networks.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 10, 2025 at 2:23 PM
New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez warned four telecom companies over alleged failures to curb illegal robocalls as part of a 51-state enforcement effort launched in 2022.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Las Cruces police issued a Silver Alert for 68-year-old Arthur J. Crothers, last believed to be near Santa Teresa or El Paso after leaving a healthcare facility. Anyone with information should call 575-526-0750.
Silver Alert issued for 68-year-old Las Cruces man last seen near Santa Teresa, El Paso
New Mexico State Police issued a Silver Alert for 68-year-old Arthur J. Crothers, who family members have not seen or heard from in several weeks.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 10, 2025 at 12:20 AM
Las Cruces police issued a Silver Alert for 68-year-old Arthur J. Crothers, last believed to be near Santa Teresa or El Paso after leaving a healthcare facility. Anyone with information should call 575-526-0750.
Reposted by Damien Willis
The Las Cruces Fire Department will use a $456,181 FEMA grant to train 15 firefighters as paramedics through Doña Ana Community College, strengthening local emergency medical response.
Las Cruces Fire Department awarded $456K federal grant to expand paramedic training
A $456,181 federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant will allow the Las Cruces Fire Department to train 15 firefighters as paramedics through Doña Ana Community College, strengthening local emergency m...
www.organmountainnews.com
December 9, 2025 at 4:36 PM
The Las Cruces Fire Department will use a $456,181 FEMA grant to train 15 firefighters as paramedics through Doña Ana Community College, strengthening local emergency medical response.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Casa de Peregrinos has received a $50,000 challenge grant from the Thornburg Foundation to support food assistance for families across southern New Mexico.
Casa de Peregrinos receives $50K Thornburg Foundation challenge grant
Casa de Peregrinos has received a $50,000 challenge grant from the Thornburg Foundation and is urging the community to match it as food assistance needs continue to grow.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 9, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Casa de Peregrinos has received a $50,000 challenge grant from the Thornburg Foundation to support food assistance for families across southern New Mexico.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Four New Mexico State University students spent three weeks in Puerto Rico studying the coffee industry and the climate and labor challenges faced by growers.
NMSU students venture to Puerto Rico to learn about coffee industry
Four New Mexico State University agricultural business students traveled across Puerto Rico to interview coffee farmers, gather data on production trends and document efforts to revive a historic coff...
www.organmountainnews.com
December 9, 2025 at 2:47 AM
Four New Mexico State University students spent three weeks in Puerto Rico studying the coffee industry and the climate and labor challenges faced by growers.
Reposted by Damien Willis
New Mexico State University professor Brandon Hobson, a Guggenheim Fellow and National Book Award finalist, has published his sixth novel, "The Devil Is a Southpaw."
NMSU professor publishes sixth novel, 'The Devil is a Southpaw'
New Mexico State University creative-writing professor Brandon Hobson has released his sixth novel, The Devil Is a Southpaw. Set in a 1988 Oklahoma juvenile detention center, the “novel within a novel...
www.organmountainnews.com
December 9, 2025 at 12:35 AM
New Mexico State University professor Brandon Hobson, a Guggenheim Fellow and National Book Award finalist, has published his sixth novel, "The Devil Is a Southpaw."
Reposted by Damien Willis
Starting tomorrow, restrooms and water fountains at Meerscheidt Recreation Center will close temporarily for construction, with portable restrooms and hand-washing stations provided.
Meerscheidt Recreation Center restrooms, water fountains to close temporarily for construction
Restrooms, water fountains and lobby access at Meerscheidt Recreation Center will be temporarily unavailable beginning Dec. 9 due to construction. Portable restrooms will be provided.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 8, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Starting tomorrow, restrooms and water fountains at Meerscheidt Recreation Center will close temporarily for construction, with portable restrooms and hand-washing stations provided.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Project Jupiter’s projected greenhouse-gas emissions could rival those of New Mexico’s largest cities, raising questions about the climate and energy tradeoffs tied to large data-center development.
Data center Project Jupiter’s greenhouse gas emissions could rival NM’s largest cities
Developers behind Project Jupiter, a massive data-center campus planned near Doña Ana County, say the site could emit more than 14 million tons of greenhouse gases annually — a level that would rival ...
www.organmountainnews.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Project Jupiter’s projected greenhouse-gas emissions could rival those of New Mexico’s largest cities, raising questions about the climate and energy tradeoffs tied to large data-center development.
Reposted by Damien Willis
After pressure to lower winter utility costs, LIHEAP funds have been released in New Mexico, providing heating assistance for low-income households, seniors and families as colder weather sets in.
New Mexico delegation announces release of LIHEAP funds after push to lower winter utility costs
New Mexico’s congressional delegation says long-delayed LIHEAP funding is on its way to the state after lawmakers demanded action amid higher winter utility costs.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 8, 2025 at 2:26 PM
After pressure to lower winter utility costs, LIHEAP funds have been released in New Mexico, providing heating assistance for low-income households, seniors and families as colder weather sets in.
Reposted by Damien Willis
A $2.3M US 70 roadway rehabilitation project begins Monday and will significantly impact traffic for commuters traveling to and from White Sands Missile Range.
$2.3M US 70 roadway rehabilitation project to begin Monday
A $2.3 million roadway rehabilitation project on US 70 near Organ will begin Dec. 8, bringing lane closures and reduced speed limits through Dec. 23, weather permitting.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 8, 2025 at 12:34 AM
A $2.3M US 70 roadway rehabilitation project begins Monday and will significantly impact traffic for commuters traveling to and from White Sands Missile Range.
Reposted by Damien Willis
A $4M federal grant will fund a new express bus connecting Las Cruces and El Paso, improving access for commuters and residents without reliable transportation.
$4M federal grant funds new express bus service between Las Cruces and El Paso
A $4 million federal transit grant will fund a new express bus service linking Las Cruces and El Paso, aiming to improve cross-border access for commuters and transit-dependent residents.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 7, 2025 at 10:24 PM
A $4M federal grant will fund a new express bus connecting Las Cruces and El Paso, improving access for commuters and residents without reliable transportation.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Guest column: Gabriella Brillante reflects on Christmas ornaments as touchstones of memory, family and tradition across generations.
What our Christmas ornaments remember for us
A community guest column explores the history of Christmas ornaments and the personal memories they hold across generations.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 7, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Guest column: Gabriella Brillante reflects on Christmas ornaments as touchstones of memory, family and tradition across generations.